In his powerful book, Live No Lies, John Mark Comer introduces us to the work of Evagrius of Pontus. Evagrius was a 4th century monk and author of a number of texts on spiritual formation, especially the formation of the mind. One such work is titled, Antirrhetikos, or Talking Back. In Talking Back, Evagrius laysContinue reading “Talking Back: A Guide for Fighting Demons”
Category Archives: Bible
A Most Practical Idea
As a theologian, I am well aware that there are some debates and some questions that simply have no practical purpose. “How many angels can dance on the head of a pin?” “Can God create a rock so heavy that even He cannot move it?” Questions like these can rattle around in your noggin, butContinue reading “A Most Practical Idea”
The Cross as Coronation
The following is adapted from a sermon I preached at Greencastle Christian Church on September 25, 2021. Let me begin by saying something that might be a little controversial. The gospel is political. Let me say that again, the gospel is political. I am not saying that Jesus is a Republican or a Democrat orContinue reading “The Cross as Coronation”
Dealing with Doubt
Last night my son comes out of his bedroom. I could tell by the look on his face that he was anxious about something. He had been reading in his Bible and came across a difficult story in the Book of Acts that left him shaken and, in his words, “questioning everything.” The story inContinue reading “Dealing with Doubt”
The Way of Suffering
Through 2021, the church in which I serve has been preaching through the Gospel of Mark in a sermon series titled, The Way. You can catch up on that series here. Below is the transcript of the sermon I preached for that series on September 12, 2021. Now some of you know parts of myContinue reading “The Way of Suffering”
Jesus’ Transfiguration, the Cross, and the Crown
This past weekend, as we are working our way through the Gospel of Mark, our pastor, John Tischer, preached through Mark 9:2-13. This passage is Mark’s record of the Transfiguration, in which Jesus takes Peter, James, and John on top of a mountain to witness a miraculous event. Jesus is transformed before their eyes, andContinue reading “Jesus’ Transfiguration, the Cross, and the Crown”
Discipleship in the Age of Talk Radio
News broke this week that conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh passed away. Social media was aflame (as always), and divided (as always) over the legacy of this man. For those on the right, Limbaugh was a lion of a man, a genius, a pioneer for what it means to fight for conservative political ideals inContinue reading “Discipleship in the Age of Talk Radio”
Calling All Men
Every once in a while, I see the old church leadership debate about men and women flare up on Twitter or other social media platforms. As with so many social, cultural, and church issues, there are passionate proponents on each side. You have those who say that church leadership roles, most especially the roles ofContinue reading “Calling All Men”
The Fruit of Discernment
I am not sure if you pay attention to Christian Twitter at all, but if you do, then like me you have noticed an increasing amount of discussion about Christian Nationalism. Christian Nationalism, as best I can tell, is the elevation of national interests to God’s interests. In other words, when America wins, God wins.Continue reading “The Fruit of Discernment”
Christian Kindness
But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic either. Give to everyone who begs from you, andContinue reading “Christian Kindness”
The Awkward Christian Blog 